Abstract:

To explore the effects of Dishevelled2 and Vangl2 protein on cleft palate induced by excess retinoid acid in KM mice. MethodsIn both malformed embryos induced by excess retinoid acid (the experimental group) and normal KM mice (the control group),  expressions of Dishevelled2 and Vangl2 in the epithelium of the palatal shelves and the mesenchyma were determined by  immunohistochemistry and image analysis. ResultsExpression of Dishevelled2 in the mesenchyma of the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group, however that in the epithelium of the palatal  shelves of the experimental group was significantly higher, but then lower than that in the control group. So was expression of Vanlg2 in the mesenchyma. ConclusionExcess retinoid acid may interfere with normal expression of Dishevelled2 and Vangle protein in developing palates and causes cleft palate in KM mice.

Key words:  Retinoic acid; Cleft palate; Dishevelled2; Vangl2; Immunohistochemistry